The NCC’s TIRMS scam-flagging mandate goes live in April 2026, the same month CBN is pushing mandatory AI-powered AML baselines. Two regulators, two fraud systems, no shared architecture — and Nigeria’s telcos caught in the middle.
Browsing Tag
Telecoms
15 posts
MTN Spent Its War Chest on Towers. Now What?
MTN’s $2.2B IHS Towers acquisition consumes 60% of its fintech war chest. BETAR analyses the balance sheet impact, dividend risk, and what it means for MoMo’s…
MTN’s $2.2B IHS Towers Buyout: Africa’s Biggest Telecoms Infrastructure Play, Explained
MTN Group’s $2.2 billion acquisition of IHS Towers — one of Africa’s largest independent tower companies — reshapes 4G/5G rollout economics across Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and beyond. Here is what the deal means, who wins, and who has cause for concern.
Airtel-Starlink Direct-to-Cell in Kenya: The End of the Coverage Excuse
Airtel Africa’s Starlink Direct-to-Cell pilot in Kenya has proven the technology works on unmodified 4G handsets. The CA-Kenya audit shapes continental connectivity economics.
DRC’s €8B Digital Plan: Mapping the Financing Gap Between Ambition and Execution
The DRC has committed €8.7B to Africa’s most ambitious national digital buildout. But only $1.5B is confirmed. An analysis of where the remaining €7B will come from — and the due diligence questions every DFI should be asking.
Airtel Africa FY2025: The Telecoms Rival MTN Coverage Missed
Airtel Africa posted $4.955 billion in FY2025 revenue and swung to a $328 million profit. Its mobile money arm generates 21% of group revenue — five times MoMo’s share at MTN. Here’s why that gap matters.
MTN Group FY2025: West Africa Takes the Crown as Revenue Climbs 23%
MTN Group reports R218.5 billion in service revenue for 2025, up 23%. Nigeria overtakes South Africa as top revenue hub for the first time. West Africa ARPU and data penetration drive the shift.
Africa’s Two Biggest Telcos Just Chose SpaceX: MTN Zambia First in Africa to Test Starlink Direct-to-Cell, Airtel Follows Across 14 Markets
MTN Zambia completed Africa’s first Starlink direct-to-cell field test on March 6 — transmitting a satellite data session and a MoMo fintech transaction using MTN’s own spectrum. Airtel Africa has now signed up 14 markets. The continent’s two largest operators chose integration over competition, and the implications for rural fintech access are significant.
DRC’s €8B Digital Plan: Towers, Cables — and a €6.5 Billion Funding Gap
The DRC’s €8B National Digital Plan 2026-2030 targets 30,000 towers and fibre backbone. Analysis of the €6.5B financing gap and what it means for investors.
NCC’s TIRMS Framework: Nigerian Telecoms Must Give 14 Days’ Notice Before SIM Deactivation
NCC TIRMS Nigeria — 14-day SIM deactivation notice requirement, subscriber rights framework, and compliance obligations for telecom operators.